Silambam – Stick Fight in Tamil Nadu

Silambam is the famous stick fight practiced in Tamil Nadu.
It is also known as Kuchi Vilaiyattu and Kambu Vilaiyattu. It was originally
practiced with bamboo sticks; later, steel swords and shields were used.

The bamboo staff that is commonly used in this sport
measures 5ft in length. Even today, students learn this art from competent
teachers and display their prowess during celebrations.

Before the commencement of Silambam, the combatants pay
salutations to Guru and to the four quarters.

In the sport, two persons opposing each other swirl the
sticks.

In some instances, one person is surrounded by many
opponents on all sides, and the attacked person in the center deals with the
opponents.